- Start early to find parking more easily in Yosemite Valley, especially near popular trailheads and viewpoints.
- Visit Glacier Point and Tunnel View during off-peak hours to enjoy clearer views and lighter crowds throughout the day.
- Expect seasonal road closures on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road; always confirm opening dates before planning your itinerary.
- Bring plenty of water and sturdy footwear, since Yosemite’s trails are steep, exposed, and heavily trafficked in summer.
- Use the shuttle or rent a bike in Yosemite Valley to avoid congestion and reduce time spent searching for parking.
Yosemite isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that recalibrates your sense of scale, beauty, and time.
From the moment granite walls rise into view, and waterfalls thread their way down glacially-carved cliffs, it becomes clear why this valley has inspired artists, adventurers, and dreamers for generations.
Iconic views like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls all reside in the famous valley, but there’s more to explore in Yosemite.
Ancient sequoias stand like living monuments, alpine meadows hum with life, and every trail seems to lead to a view that stops you mid-step.
Glacier Point is one of the world’s most incredible vistas, and the Tioga Pass takes you up and over the Sierra Nevada.
Whether you’re chasing heart-pounding hikes, peaceful moments by a river, or your first real disconnect from the noise of daily life, Yosemite meets you where you are—and then raises the bar.
Must-See Activities & Experiences
1. Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
Matt Caracciolo
Yosemite is famous for its waterfalls, and one of the best and reasonably doable hikes to see them is the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
This classic duo descends into the valley as the Merced River plunges under the nose of Half Dome.
In fact, the hike to the summit of Half Dome begins by hiking past these two waterfalls.
But, for those who are looking for a much shorter and safer hike, you can end the hike by the waterfalls.
Vernal Falls is first, and the easiest to reach. But for the slightly more adventurous, you can continue to Nevada Falls.
This is a very popular trail, so you’ll almost certainly be sharing it with lots of other people.
2. Enter Yosemite Valley at Tunnel View
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The most astounding way to enter Yosemite Valley and see it for the first time is by entering through the Tunnel View entrance.
The road winds up into the mountains until you reach a tunnel, with little indication that you’re nearing the valley.
Then, you enter a tunnel, and on the other side…Yosemite Valley opens in front of you for miles.
Two parking lots enable drivers to pull off and take in the view, and take a lot of pictures.
To see Tunnel View with this reveal, you need to enter through the South Entrance.
Otherwise, you will need to reach Tunnel View by already entering Yosemite Valley, which is not quite the same experience.
3. View Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point
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Yosemite Valley is stupendous from within, but you can also see it from above. For that, you need to take a drive up to Glacier Point.
Located on the south side of the valley, Glacier Point provides a spectacular overlook of Yosemite Valley from 3,000 feet up. El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, it’s all there in full view.
You can also hike from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point via the Four Mile Trail. Be forewarned, it’s a lot of switchbacks and is not for the casual hiker!
4. Explore Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
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The nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks are known for their sequoias, but Yosemite has them as well. There are three sequoia groves in the park.
The best and most accessible one is Mariposa Grove, next to the south entrance of the park.
You’ll take a shuttle from the visitor area to the grove, where you can choose how far you want to wander. The first several hundred feet of the path are wide, paved, and accessible to all.
Eventually, the trail narrows and becomes unpaved, but that’s how you reach the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest sequoias in existence.
5. Scenic Drive Along Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows
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If you want to get away from the crowds, then take a drive along Tioga Road through the Sierra Nevada.
This mountain pass leads to some of the lesser-known parts of Yosemite, where there are far fewer visitors and more wilderness.
Drive through vast mountain landscapes, walk around Tenaya Lake surrounded by granite domes, and stroll the pristine Tuolumne Meadows.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities along Tioga Road, ranging from easy lakeside walks to journeys into the wild mountains. This is the Sierra Nevada at its finest.
6. Stargaze & Relax at the Swinging Bridge Swimming Hole
Matt Caracciolo
By day, the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is a popular place to swim and play in the Merced River.
The bridge itself also has a fantastic view of Yosemite Falls, which you don’t want to miss. Photographers will enjoy
But by night, it’s a great spot to choose for a night of stargazing.
Framed by the surrounding granite cliffs, the night sky reveals a starry canvas away from the lights of civilization.
7. Treat Yourself to Luxury at the Ahwanee Hotel’s dining room
Matt Caracciolo
There are plenty of food options in Yosemite, especially in the Valley area. Most fall under the “grill and sandwiches” variety, but if you want to treat yourself, head to the Ahwanee.
It doesn’t come cheap, but a buffet-style meal in Yosemite’s premier historic lodge is an unforgettable reward for a long day’s journey or hike.
Imagine soaring ceilings, wall-to-ceiling windows with views of the valley, and rustic chandeliers hanging above.
Reservations are a must for lunch and dinner, as is adhering to the dress code.
Or if you want an experience that’s slightly more subdued and affordable, try the breakfast buffet.
If a meal in the dining room isn’t in the cards, it’s still worth it to walk inside the hotel. And there’s a bar and ice cream shop for some smaller splurges.
8. Backpack or Day-Hike to Cathedral Lakes or High Country Gems
NPS
For the more intrepid explorers, a visit to Yosemite is about more than visiting the famous sights.
It’s about a chance to trek into the Sierra Nevada’s high country wilderness, either on a day trip or a multi-day backpacking excursion.
Probably one of the most popular day trip options is the hike to Cathedral Lakes.
Starting in Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road, the hike climbs into the mountains toward Cathedral Peak. There, Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes nestle at its feet.
Get ready for views of granite domes, pine forests, and lots and lots of sky.
9. Bike the Yosemite Valley Loop & Enjoy Leisurely Meadow Views
Getting around Yosemite Valley can be a hassle. Large crowds mean parking lots filled to capacity, long waits for the shuttle, and wasted time.
Therefore, one of the most pleasant and rewarding ways to get around Yosemite Valley is by bike. If you brought one with you,
Planning Your Yosemite Trip
Best Time to Visit: Seasons, Crowds & Access
Summer is the busiest time of year, when everything in the park is open and accessible. Tioga Road typically opens in late May or June and stays open until November. Glacier Point likewise opens sometime in the spring and closes around November.
If you’re sticking to Yosemite Valley, late spring can be a perfect combination of wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and smaller crowds.
Where to Stay & Camp
Staying within Yosemite in a lodge is not cheap. There are a lot of camping options in Yosemite Valley for a more affordable way to stay.
And there are more campgrounds scattered across the park, including at Wawona and up along Tioga Road.
If expensive hotels or camping aren’t options, you’ll likely need to stay in a gateway town like Oakhurst, Mariposa, or Groveland.
Getting Around: Shuttles, Roads, and Access Tips
Because of Yosemite Valley’s popularity, the roads can get congested, and parking can become a hassle. The roads are also mainly one-way.
It’s best to park once and use the shuttle to get around from there. Or, riding a bike is a fun and convenient way to get around.
Keep an eye on seasonal road closures. The park provides snowplowing updates for Tioga Road and Glacier Point, and when they’re likely to reopen.
Explore Yosemite with Shaka Guide
Yosemite National Park is a wonder and an unforgettable experience. Shaka Guide’s self-guided driving tour of Yosemite covers the entire park, works from any entrance, and helps you plan your time with a customizable itinerary. It doesn’t get any easier or more flexible!
Ready to explore Yosemite?
Take Shaka Guide’s Yosemite National Park Audio Tour for turn-by-turn directions, local stories, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Visiting more parks in the region?
Don’t miss our California Tour Bundle — it includes tours for Lake Tahoe, Redwood, Death Valley, and many more!
Still planning?
Check out our Yosemite Itinerary and Know Before You Go guide to prep for your trip.
Have questions?
We’re happy to help — email us at aloha@shakaguide.com.
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Yosemite Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
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